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Long Appointed RSI Head

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
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Patty Long

The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) has appointed Patricia Long as its new President. She assumes her role effective Nov. 29. Long and her family reside in the greater Washington D.C. area; she will operate out of RSI headquarters there.

Long, described as “an experienced and skilled association leader,” has more than 25 years of executive experience in trade associations, most recently serving the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) as interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer with oversight of industry relations, member engagement, human resources, government and regulatory affairs and sustainability. Earlier in her career, Long spent 18 years at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), rising to Vice President, Policy Research and Member Communications. She previously served as Director of Communications for the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA). 

“This is an exciting time for RSI and our member companies,” said Jack Isselmann, RSI Board Chair and Senior Vice President External Affairs and Communications for The Greenbrier Companies. “Patty’s expertise, energy and experience, combined with the recent enactment of the Infrastructure and Investment and Jobs Act, brings renewed vitality to RSI’s mission to serve the rail supply industry. In the months to come, expect RSI to develop new programs, enhance member value and organize a successful in-person RSI Expo and Education Conference next fall, as it capitalizes on the many other opportunities before us in 2022.” 

Long’s appointment “was the result of a rigorous external search process,” RSI noted. “After fully vetting more than a dozen highly qualified candidates through a four-month external search process, the RSI Board of Directors unanimously selected Patty to lead the organization.

“I am excited to be joining an industry so vital to the U.S. economy and this nation’s infrastructure,” said Long. “I look forward to working with the members of RSI to grow our industry and continue to sustainably drive America forward.”

The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is a trade association representing more than 160 companies involved in the manufacture of products and services in the freight car, tank car, locomotive, maintenance-of-way, communications and signaling, and passenger rail industries. RSI “connects members to their customers and partners, supports the improvement of the industry, assists members in the global marketplace, and represents the industry during the regulatory and legislative process.”

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